2007 Hy-Vee Oly Race Report

So, after I finished my first triathlon I knew I was hooked. As I was planning out my next season I set some high goals and expectations for myself. I planned to do an Olympic, Half-Ironman, and Full Ironman over the course of the season. After I signed up for my races my training began. As I got more into my training I got enveloped by the sport and spent my nights training, and other times reading blogs, forums, and articles to learn more about the sport. My first race that year was the Hy-Vee Triathon, a first time Olympic event in my hometown of Des Moines. Even though this was my second Olympic distance triathlon I was still really nervous about the swim - as soon as the gun when off we were off - the swim course was challenging because it was not a triangular course. I had a difficult time getting into a groove and finding a rhythm, as well as someone to draft. Once we were out of the water it was into the transition area. I made a key mistake - never do something new that you haven't practiced - I bought a new bike jersey. As I was trying to put it on it got stuck because my back was still wet. I struggled to get the jersey on for about 3 minutes and then I was off on the bike. This was my first tri using my tri bike and it felt great. The course was flat and fast except for a few hills within the first few miles - the bike was my strong point for the race. When I got into T2 I felt great - put on my running shoes and I was off. The first 2 miles felt great and I was pacing pretty hard and more than I should. The last 4 miles were pretty grueling because I didn't save enough for the end but still managed to PR my previous race by 20 minutes. The season was off to a great start.